Arsenal - Thomas Tuchel
Image credit: Getty Images
England extended their perfect record in Group K with a 2-0 victory over Andorra in Saturday night’s 2026 World Cup qualifier at Villa Park, but manager Thomas Tuchel expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of his team’s performance, particularly from Arsenal attackers Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.
Despite their dominance, the Three Lions laboured to break down the world’s 174th-ranked side, with goals coming via an own goal from Christian Garcia, forced by a Madueke cross in the 25th minute, and a Declan Rice header from a Reece James delivery midway through the second half.
Tuchel singled out Madueke and Eze for criticism, lamenting their decision-making in key moments. “I think we missed the little moments to accelerate the game,” Tuchel told ITV. “Maybe Ebz [Eze] didn’t have his very best day in the number 10 position… the last pass from Noni [Madueke] was not clinical enough.”
READ MORE: Arsenal suffer William Saliba injury setback with defender facing extended spell out
Eze, deployed centrally, struggled to impose himself, recording just 38 touches and no clear chances created before being withdrawn in the 78th minute. His best moment came from a Madueke cutback, but his shot was saved by Iker Alvarez and Marcus Rashford squandered the rebound. Tuchel admitted Eze found the congested midfield difficult, saying his decision-making “was not at its sharpest.”
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty )
Madueke was more influential, completing 46 of 53 passes and creating three chances. His cross led directly to the opening goal, but Tuchel noted lapses in his defensive concentration. “Noni sometimes has a lack of concentration in counter-pressing,” he said. “But if he pushes himself, he can be a very important player.”
The Arsenal winger struck a more positive tone, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: “We won the game, World Cup qualifier, clean sheet and two goals – I am happy… They are tough nuts to crack. When you play against 11 players in 30 metres of space, it will be hard for every team.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Eze and Madueke’s performances drew mixed reactions from pundits, with former Manchester United captain Roy Keane stressing that “okay” showings will not suffice for Eze following his £67.5 million move to Arsenal. Madueke, meanwhile, received praise from ex-England defender Lee Dixon, who highlighted the danger of his deliveries from wide areas.
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Villa Park crowd of 39,202 saw England struggle for fluency, with many fans leaving early. Tuchel acknowledged the subdued atmosphere but insisted the team’s display showed progress from June’s 1-0 win against the same opposition. “We should have scored more, 4-0 or 5-0 would have been deserved,” he said.
The match also saw a bright debut from Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who impressed Tuchel enough to earn consideration for England’s next qualifier away to Serbia on Tuesday. “He was very, very good… I think he passed the test,” Tuchel noted.
With sterner challenges ahead, Tuchel will be demanding sharper contributions from Eze and Madueke as England look to continue their flawless World Cup qualifying campaign.
NEXT ARTICLE: Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi deliver world-class performances in Spain’s win over Bulgaria